Biography

5 April 1968, Rockport, Massachusetts, USA. Singer-songwriter Cole launched her career with the spirited, persuasive Harbinger set for Imago Records in July 1994. Among several notable tracks was the high-impact single, I Am So Ordinary, which forcefully dealt with Coles low self-esteem problems. However, its potential impact was scuppered when Imago lost its distribution contract with BMG - the same problem befalling fellow label artists Henry Rollins and Aimee Mann. Eventually she moved to a new contract with Warner Brothers Records, though the Imago imprint remained on future releases. Harbinger was re-released by Warners in July 1995, but the sales returns remained modest.

Speaking of her first full effort for her new home, 1996s This Fire, Cole told the music press: I think this album is an emergence of self. Harbinger was written with an adolescent point of view. But now I dont have to be so...